Experience of a controlling or threatening partner among mothers with persistent symptoms of depression

Objective

We evaluated the prevalence of symptoms of maternal depression (SMD) that continue beyond the postpartum period and the association between persistent SMD and reporting a controlling or threatening partner.

Study Design

We combined data from a survey of mothers 2-6 months after delivery and its 2-year follow-up survey and analyzed the responses of 444 women who responded to both surveys. We focused on exposure to a controlling partner because this was the sole factor that was associated with persistent SMD in preliminary analysis.

Results

Postpartum SMD was reported by 23% of the women. Among these women, 46% also reported SMD 2 years later. In bivariate analysis, a controlling partner was associated with persistent SMD (odds ratio, 6.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-31.8; P = .014).

Conclusion

Almost one-half of women with postpartum SMD continue to have symptoms 2 years later. Further research is needed to measure the strength of the association between controlling partners and persistent depression.

Key words: maternal depression, partner abuse, postpartum depression, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, psychologic abuse